Operation Clean Sweep launches Logistics Verification Program

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and the American Chemistry Council (ACC) have jointly announced the launch of the Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) Logistics Verification Program, an initiative aimed at advancing environmental sustainability and preventing resin loss within the logistics sector of the plastics supply chain. This facility-level inspection program is tailored exclusively for OCS Logistics members and builds upon the success of the OCS Blue Verification program introduced in 2023.  

The new program addresses the critical “middle” of the supply chain, including trucking companies, transloading facilities, distributors, warehouses and service providers. By applying a rigorous, standardized approach, OCS Logistics Verification ensures that over 25 required management practices to prevent resin loss are successfully implemented at logistics facilities and during transportation.  

“The new OCS Logistics Verification program represents a significant increase in the strength and transparency of the plastics industry’s efforts to prevent resin loss,” said Matt Seaholm, president and CEO of PLASTICS. “By proactively verifying their operations, OCS Logistics members are demonstrating their leadership and continued commitment to protecting the environment and advancing sustainability throughout our industry.”  

Industry leaders highlight importance  

Companies already participating in the program have expressed their commitment to the initiative and its goals.  

“Savage is proud to participate in the OCS Logistics Verification Program, which further strengthens our ability to prevent the loss of plastic pellets and resins across our operations,” said Troy Savage, senior VP and group leader for rail and terminals at Savage, a logistics and oil refining company. “We’ve made critical infrastructure investments in our loading areas to prevent product loss and remain dedicated to ensuring these materials are properly handled throughout the supply chain.”  

Richard Heath, president and CEO at TALKE, a logistics company for the chemical and petrochemical industry, emphasized the program’s alignment with his company’s sustainability objectives.  

“Preventing plastic resin loss across the logistics chain is vital to advancing environmental sustainability and reducing carbon footprints — key priorities of TALKE's mission for crafting responsible logistics,” he said. “This framework ensures measurable, long-term progress in sustainability efforts, benefiting both the industry and society.”  

John Labrie, CEO of supply chain services company Quantix, underscored the importance of addressing resin loss as the industry grows.  

“Resin loss is a critical issue for our industry,” he stated. “As we increase reliance on plastic and, in turn, the production of resin, we need to focus on securing that product at every stage of the supply chain. Product loss is about more than just the money. Our customers set aggressive sustainability goals. As a key partner of their supply chain, their goals become our goals, and you simply cannot provide high-quality service like we do without deep consideration for your customer's product.” 

A comprehensive verification framework  

The OCS Logistics Verification program is exclusively available to OCS Logistics members, requiring at least one facility-level verification inspection by Dec. 31, 2025. Additional facilities will undergo inspections during the first full verification cycle starting in 2026.   

The program complements OCS Blue Verification, launched in September 2023, which focuses on resin-loss prevention at materials suppliers and processors. Together, these programs create a robust and transparent system across the plastics supply chain, addressing resin-loss prevention from production through logistics and converting.  

PLASTICS and ACC encourage logistic companies to direct any inquiries to [email protected]. This initiative represents the next step in the industry’s journey toward achieving zero resin loss.  

Founded by the Plastics Industry Association in 1991, Operation Clean Sweep is an industry-led program managed in partnership with ACC’s Plastics Division. The initiative is dedicated to supporting companies in their goal toward achieving zero plastic resin loss in operations.